Redlands to Orderville: Epic Road Trip Guide Through Desert and Canyon

This 450-mile route from Redlands, California (elev. 1,300 ft) to Orderville, Utah (elev. 5,300 ft) climbs through the Mojave Desert, past the Colorado River, and into the heart of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The drive primarily follows I-10 east to I-15 north, then US-89 east, crossing the historic Old Spanish Trail—a 19th-century trade route connecting Santa Fe to Los Angeles.

Estimated driving time without stops is 6.5–7 hours, but plan for 9–10 hours with breaks. The landscape shifts dramatically from citrus groves to red rock canyons, offering a compressed journey through multiple climate zones. For tips on discovering hidden stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Driving this route in summer requires vigilance against heat exhaustion and blowouts. Check tire pressure and coolant levels before leaving. Between Baker and Las Vegas, there is a 100-mile stretch (the Mojave National Preserve) with no services—only a few gas stations in Primm. Keep a gallon of water per person in the car.

Family-friendly stops include the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas (interactive exhibits on nuclear history) and the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site (Jurassic trackways). For children, the Mesquite Recreation Center has a wave pool and climbing wall. Fatigue can be managed at designated rest areas: rest stops exist at Baker (CA), Primm (NV), and a scenic overlook near the Virgin River Gorge.

• Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels in St. George and Kanab accept pets; pet relief areas are available at rest stops. Avoid walking dogs on hot sand—use booties in summer.
• Infrastructure safety: I-15 is well-lit near Las Vegas but dark through rural Utah. US-89 has no streetlights; use high beams when safe.
• Hidden off-route spots: The Kolob Terrace Road near Virgin, UT leads to remote hiking trails with fewer crowds than Zion's main canyon.

The route splits into two distinct highway profiles: high-speed Interstate and scenic two-lane roads. Key fuel points are Barstow (CA), Baker (CA), Las Vegas (NV), Mesquite (NV), and St. George (UT). Gas prices rise significantly near tourist areas like Zion. Plan to fill up in Las Vegas for the best rates.

• Electric vehicle charging: Tesla Superchargers in Barstow, Baker, Primm, Las Vegas, Mesquite, St. George, and a Level 2 charger in Orderville.
• Speed limits: 70 mph on I-15, 65 mph on US-89, but watch for reduced speeds through construction zones near the Nevada-Utah border.
• Weather: Winter can bring snow from St. George northward; chains required in conditions. Summer temps exceed 110°F (43°C)—carry extra water.

Road quality is excellent on interstates, but US-89 from Kanab to Orderville has narrow shoulders and occasional cattle crossings. The last 20 miles into Orderville are especially scenic, winding through red rock cliffs. Cell service is spotty between Glendale and Orderville; download offline maps beforehand.

Between Redlands and Orderville, three distinct ecosystems dominate: the Mojave Desert (Joshua trees and creosote), the Colorado Plateau (painted cliffs), and the Dixie National Forest (ponderosa pine and volcanic rock). Must-see geological features include the Calico Early Man Site near Barstow (fossils over 200k years old) and the Virgin River Gorge along I-15 north of Mesquite—a narrow canyon with 2,000-ft walls.

Local commerce thrives around tourism and agriculture. In Redlands, citrus stands near I-10 sell fresh oranges and avocados. As you approach Orderville, roadside vendors offer Navajo tacos, fry bread, and honey from lavender farms. The town of Orderville itself was founded by the United Order, a Mormon communal experiment; its legacy is visible in the historic rock buildings.

• UNESCO Sites: Grand Canyon National Park (south rim) is a 1.5-hr detour from Kanab via US-89A. Zion National Park (Kolob Canyons entrance) is directly on the route near Virgin, UT.
• Best stops: Valley of Fire State Park (north of Las Vegas) for red sandstone arches; Snow Canyon State Park (near St. George) for lava tubes.
• Hidden gem: The Paria River Ghost Town (old movie set) off US-89 west of Big Water, with well-preserved Western facades.